Long Realty is pleased to bring you tips for Living in Arizona, courtesy of our local Long Advantage business partners. The articles below covers an array of helpful and insightful tips for the Arizona lifestyle. We hope you find this information useful.

Keep Cool for Less: Simple Summer Tips from D & H Air Conditioning

June 26, 2014

Sizzling summer temperatures mean our air conditioners are working their hardest! Following these tips can save you big:

Frequent Filter Changes: Filters are cheap insurance against high utility bills and expensive repairs. A dirty filter will reduce the air flow causing the unit to run longer and harder than necessary. Plan on changing the filter every month when you pay your utility bill. A simple 1 inch pleated filter found at your local Ace Hardware is a good choice. Purchase a 6 month supply. You are more likely to stay on schedule if you have new filters available. Have allergies? Look into the low voltage electronic filters. They are easy to install in your existing system and work great! Get rid of those washable filters. Depending on the type, they will either be ineffective or plug up too soon causing expensive problems. Part of failures from dirty filters is caused by maintenance issues and manufacturers warranties DO NOT cover these repairs.

Don’t Miss Your Maintenance: In Arizona, our air conditioning systems can run more than our cars. Regardless of the age of your equipment, professional maintenance is critical. It is never too late or too soon to get started and the benefits far exceed the small investment. Also, it will reduce your cooling cost and possible repairs. Protect your warranty; manufacturers now require proof of regular maintenance by an authorized service company to validate the warranty. This is a great deal considering warranties on new systems can be 12 years! Other perks include “top of the list priority” and discounts, should you need a repair.

Have Problems, Move Fast: If your system isn’t working properly, get it serviced right away. Don’t wait until it stops working completely. A simple problem with one component can cause other parts to fail. Use a reputable company for all maintenance and repairs. Avoid the temptation to use your friend’s friend. Modern air conditioners have become much more sophisticated and require the right training, tools, and parts to fix it properly.

Don’t Turn You’re A/C Off: When you leave for more than a few hours, don’t turn your air conditioner off. It will takes more energy to cool a hot house than if you raise the temperature just 3 degrees.

Keep The Heat Outside: A cooler house uses less energy. Anything you can do to block the heat from coming inside will cut your cooling bill. Close your drapes (especially on the sunny side), install sun screens on your windows, and seal gaps in your doors and windows with weather stripping and caulking. Keep in mind, strategically placed plants and trees not only block the heat, they look good.